Rauner grapples with this year, next year's budget problems

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis as he prepares to present his state budget on Wednesday.

He's required by law to develop a plan based on currently available funds. But the recent expiration of the state's temporary income tax increase means a multi-billion dollar drop in revenue for the remainder of this fiscal year and next year.

The Republican says he doesn't want to raise income taxes, setting the stage for spending cuts and a battle with Democrats, who control the Legislature and support an increase.

Rauner's administration has been tight-lipped about his plan. But he hinted in his State of the State address, and at recent stops around Illinois, that his proposal may include higher-education cuts, consolidating units of government and increasing early childhood education funding.